Tangerine News The Newsletter of St.Kevins Boys Club December 2016

Under 18s Progress in FAI Youths Cup St Kevins Boys have never won the FAI Youths Cup so it was great In fact both our Under 17s and Under 18s will meet each other if to see our Under 18s (pictured below) progress to the last sixteen of they both win the next round of the Leinster Youths Cup and as both the competition with a 6-3 victory over Drogheda United recently. sides are on fire at the moment we expect that to be a fixture to relish. Now they say that football is a funny old game and boy were they In other SFAI Cup news we are delighted to report that going into right with this one! the round of 32 after Christmas which will include teams from The game started out with both teams evenly matched with chances outside Dublin we will have a very strong representation. at both ends but a stunning strike from Sean Cummins on 20 minutes Our Under 12 Premier overcame Home Farm 6-0 with a fantastic changed the whole complexion of the game. display away from home while our Under 13 Premier overcame last Sean challenged two defenders for a header in the air about 25 yards year’s SFAI cup winners Crumlin 2-0 in Shanowen (see report from goal. As the ball fell the three players were looking for where inside). Both our DDSL and NDSL Under 14 Premier teams are also it went but Cummins was sharpest and unleashed a terrific strike that in the last 32. hit the upright and nestled in the net. Our DDSL team defeated Drogheda Boys 7- 2 in the SFAI Skechers Goodson Cup while our NDSL Premier team defeated Glenmuir of Dundalk 4-0 with the help of a hat trick from Aaron Murphy (pictured). Our Under 15 DDSL team played St Josephs Boys under lights in St Aidans watched by the largest crowd seen at a game on our new pitch. It was the tightest of games as expected and Joeys got the all-important goal late in the game. At Under 16 level we also have our DDSL Premier team and NDSL Premier team in the next round. The DDSL side who won the SFAI From that moment on the game was all one way as the Saints turned cup last season at Under 15 and are looking to win it again this on the style. Levi Boardman brought out a superb save from the season as they defeated Cabinteely 4-3 away from home. While our Drogs keeper with a great header and it was Boardman who NDSL team overcame Ratoath 3-1. eventually made it 2-0. A great run by Mark Powel from inside his So as we face into the new year we can look forward to plenty of cup own half saw him slide the ball into the path of Boardman in behind football and a lot of travelling! the defence and he slotted it past the keeper. Is it time to buy our own bus Pat???? The second half had only started and Andy Brennan brought out ********************************** another great save from the keeper but two minutes later a fine header by Craig Connolly made it 3-0. You could see the fight leave the Drogheda players. Get the Last of Your Tickets!! A few minutes later it was 4-0 as Brennan played in a lovely ball for Ryan McGuinness to slot home. Boardman was a constant aerial threat and he met a great ball in by Morgan Biggs only to see his header cannon off the crossbar but a few minutes later he was on target following a ball in by Peter McElroy to see the score stand at 5-0. Then the game changed as within the space of two minutes Drogheda had dragged the score back to 5-2! From then on it was end to end football and it was looking like the next goal would be the most important one of the game. Thankfully it came the Saints way as following a very quick move Our Christmas raffle tickets are selling fast and with just a week to Mick McAuley was on hand in the box to control the ball, beat the go before the draw we urge everyone to get their tickets in to ensure defender and score ………… 6-2! that you have a chance to win our top prize or even one of the other With just a few minutes remaining Drogheda got a third goal but at 15 prizes that are on offer. Tickets are a mere €2 or €10 gets you a this stage they knew the tie was lost. book of 6 and all proceeds get ploughed back into the development The Saints nearly added to their tally as the goalkeeper pulled off a and running of the Club. great save from a stinging Jamie O’Brien strike right at the death. *********************************** SKB: Mark Byrne, Peter McElroy, Morgan Biggs, Craig Connolly, Jamie Delaney, Mark Powel, Andy Brennan, Jamie O’Brien, Mark SKB U16s in Viva España!! O’Connor, Levi Boardman, Sean Cummins, Conor Smith, Ryan Our Under 16 DDSL Premier team are off to Spain to take part in McGuinness, Adam Duffy, Mick McAuley, Darren Barry, Esheban the Torneo De Navidad De Futbol Cadete. We are the only club Browne, Godfrey Yoro outside of Spain to be invited to take part in this tournament so it is The previous week our Under 17 Premier booked their place in the a great honour for St Kevins Boys. We are in the same group as such next round of the FAI Under 17 Cup with a comprehensive 8-0 win illustrious names as Real Madrid and Real Sociedad. Included in the over Avondale. other groups are the likes of Barcelona, Athletico Bilbao and Real What was all the more remarkable about this result was that it was Zaragoza so our boys will be mixing with the elite of the elite! 1-0 at halftime so we would be interested to know what was said to We wish them the very best of luck. the team at the break!

That same year saw the players from our Under 16s vanish from the Political Football Club. On their last home game of the season a large contingent of You may have read the very interesting article in the Evening Herald League of Ireland managers were busy in the clubhouse apparently recently regarding the relationship between League of Ireland clubs making promises to the parents of our players for the coming season. and schoolboy football clubs throughout Ireland. As I said previously this might all sound like sour grapes but believe The writer of the article, Paul Hyland rightly pointed out that it me it’s not. My biggest fear is that, as a country, we will lose a appears that the senior clubs and schoolboy clubs outside of Dublin significant number of potential top class players through our own have a better handle on what is important in the development of narrow vision of what we expect our soccer leagues to look like. talent within their respective counties. Remember both the GAA and Irish rugby are looking to grow their Sadly, all Dublin clubs on both sides of the fence seem to be membership in Dublin and they are looking to incorporate the clubs suspicious of each other and hence there is a very poor relationship that do the right thing at each level to promote their game. between them. Irish football is its own worst enemy!!! The FAI High Performance Director, Ruud Dokter, is quite insistent Gerry Murtagh on maintaining his Pathway programme which would see League of *********************************** Ireland clubs take over the development of our footballing talent at Under 13, Under 15, Under 17 and Under 19 level. U13s Important Win in SFAI We as a schoolboy club, who have been at the forefront of the development of schoolboy players for over 50 years, do not necessarily agree with Mr Dokter’s stance and believe that we have a very important role to play in the development of elite players. We have met with the FAI on a number of occasions with regard to having St Kevins Boys included in these proposed leagues but are constantly informed that we do not meet the criteria necessary. On enquiry as to the criteria that we fall short on we never receive a clear answer. Now, we don’t want this to sound like sour grapes but there has to be a better way to solve the current impasse. It would strike me that it would have made more sense for the FAI to appoint a panel of LOI people and a panel of those at the top end of schoolboy development along with Mr Dokter to work towards a solution that benefits all those involved. Throughout the last twenty years the main clubs at the forefront of Our Under 13 DDSL Premier team and Crumlin Utd met each other developing players have been St Kevins Boys, St Josephs Boys, in the SFAI Sketchers Cup recently in Shanowen Road in a game Cherry Orchard, Belvedere, Home Farm and a few others. that would see the winners progress to the last 32 of the competition. I can safely say that no League of Ireland clubs have been involved The two teams had met at the quarter final stage of the SFAI Cup in the development of schoolboy players at a high level. The League last season at Under 12 age group where Crumlin got the upper hand of Ireland clubs have been busy trying to develop players that have in winning the game and eventually going on to win the cup. already passed through the schoolboy system and when you look at The game proved to be an entertaining affair and this time the Saints both Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers they have done this very came out on top with a well deserved 2-0 win. successfully. They do not have the time or resources to get too The Saints started brightly with Callum Warren down the right wing involved in the schoolboy football area. creating numerous chances in the first few minutes and eventually It would appear to me that the best solution would be to leave the the early pressure paid off when Ben Curtis got on the end of a fine development of schoolboy football to the clubs who are already team move to calmly finish in to the bottom corner. getting the required results from their systems and to concentrate the Crumlin’s only chance in the game came early in the second half energies of the League of Ireland on encouraging all the clubs to look with their striker latching on to a long ball over the top but a great to the successful models that Dundalk and Rovers have created. reflex save from Fiachra Pagel followed up by a last ditch tackle The model that has been proposed by the FAI of Under 13, 15, 17 from Sean Grehan and block from David Okagbue ended the danger. and Under 19 National leagues will cause us all to lose a number of In the second half Ben Curtis set off on a mazy dribble from midfield budding players throughout the proposed age groups. For instance and was fouled in the area. Up stepped Evan Ferguson with the spot a player at Under 15 will not be able to go straight into Under 17 kick but the Crumlin keeper made a brilliant save only to see Evan level from a purely physical development level and as the League of score from the rebound. Ireland clubs do not have Under 16 teams the player will be released This was a good team performance and puts the lads through to the and potentially lost to the game. last 32 of the All Ireland open draw. Their hard work and application Another issue that arises from the current FAI Under 17s and Under in training has been rewarded with some positive results going in to 19s set up is the number of players signed with the League of Ireland the New Year. clubs for the relevant age groups. The clubs sign 30 or more players SKB: Fiachra Pagel, Cameron Simpson, Tadgh Walsh, Sean Grehan, to the squad but only register 20 of those players for the league. David Okagbue, Craig Moore, Chris Moore, Jamie Mullins, Jamie Therefore, the other 10 players lose out on regular football. Kelly, Ben Curtis, Cian Kelly, Callum Warren, Adam Coyle, Sam There are also reports of players losing out on trials with UK clubs Curtis, Evan Ferguson, Alex O’Brien, Cameron Simpson as the UK clubs are reluctant to get involved in bidding wars for a *********************************** young player with LOI clubs. I can remember when the Under 17 league was on the cards we met West Brom Coaching Session with the FAI to have our then Under 16 team registered in the We were delighted to welcome Jamie Smith who is Lead Professional forthcoming league. This was a side that had dominated schoolboy Development Coach and manager of West Brom’s Under 18s team to the football from Under 11 that we were extremely proud of and saw as Clubhouse recently for another of our continuing coaching seminars. Jamie the perfect team to compete in a national league. was joined by Owen Lee who is West Brom’s video analyst. Sadly we were rejected, as to why we are still unsure but rumours There was a great turnout for what proved to be an excellent session as Jamie that our inclusion, along with a few other successful schoolboy and Owen put our Under 16s through their paces on the St. Aidans pitch. Prior to this they had delivered a very informative presentation in the clubs, was strenuously objected to by a number of League of Ireland Clubhouse. clubs were rife throughout the footballing community. More sessions are planned for the future as we continue to enjoy a very fruitful relationship with West Bromwich Albion.

In Profile Little Saints Update As we have always prided ourselves on being a family Club it is no Our Little Saints are all progressing very well as we head towards surprise to find lots of brothers and sisters playing for the various Christmas and in fact they have all been so good it wouldn’t surprise age levels of St Kevins Boys be it a league team, our senior team or me if a certain Mr Clause paid them all a visit on 17th December indeed in our Little which will be the last Saturday of the Little Saints for the year. We’ll Saints. So for this issue’s be back on Saturday 7th January when I’m sure I’ll hear how much In Profile we opted to ask stuff Mr Clause dropped down their chimney on Christmas morning. two brothers for their Remember you have to be very good for your mam and dad all the insights. Both Logan and time. Byron Preston (pictured) Over the years we have played for the Club have seen lots of since arriving down a brothers and number of years ago to sisters take part in our Little Saints. Even at the Little Saints that early stage it was but I have to say clear to us that we had that I think this is two super footballers on the first time that our hands and they have we have had both gone on to shine for their respective teams. triplets take part so meet Alfie, Oscar and Max Noonan (pictured) Date of Birth: Byron: 17th July 2005: Logan: 20th October 2006 who have been part of the Little Saints for two years now and have Team: Byron: Under 12 DDSL A; Logan: Under 11 DDSL A Sunday shown great improvement since the first day they stepped into the Managers: Byron: Philip Grehan, John & Stewy; Logan: Richie hall. The boys are following in the footsteps of their dad, Paul who Crean, Dave, Eoin and Ian plays for Whitehall Celtic but we expect that they’ll be lining out for Position: Byron: Centre Forward; Logan: Left Midfield the Saints for a long time before they jump ship on us!! Who’s the Joker in the dressing room? Byron: Kevin Zefi; Logan: We have recently taken a number of players out of the teams onto Ryan Kelly our Development Squad. This can sometimes cause parents more When did you get involved with SKB? Byron: At age 6 in 2010; upset than the players but the reason we spilt the group is to allow Logan: In 2011 aged 5. the players to develop at a pace that suits them. Over the years we What team do you support? Byron: Liverpool; Logan: Everton (I’d have found that players who happen to be at a higher level in their say there’s great fun in that household on Merseyside derby days!) development can dominate the sessions and hence other players get Who’s your favourite player? Byron: Lionel Messi; Logan: less from their involvement in the sessions. Our program is designed Yannick Bolasie to encourage players to develop at a pace that suits all levels. Which League of Ireland team do you support? Byron: Dundalk; *********************************** Logan: St Pats Athletic Who’s your favourite LOI player? Byron: Daryl Horgan; Logan: Ex-Saints Shining in LOI the same as my brother – one of the few things we agree on! A number of our ex-players are making a real name for themselves What other sporting event do you like? Byron: Running; Logan: at League of Ireland level and we are delighted that they are Gaelic football progressing so well. What has been you best sporting moment to date? Byron: Everyone knows how well Dundalk are doing on a European and Winning the cup with my school, Larkhill Boys – first time we ever domestic stage and Ronan Finn, Sean Gannon and Michael won the cup; Logan: Winning the Kells Tournament during the O’Connor have been ever present in the squad. summer Sean Heaney has made the left full position What’s the best advice you ever received? Byron: Always try his own with Shamrock Rovers and was your best: Logan: When you’re happy you learn joined this season by Trevor Clarke. *********************************** Eoin Wearen is the fulcrum of the Bohemians midfield while Karl Moore Check Your Behaviour starred at Bray Wanderers during the We have been disappointed at the behaviour of a number of parents season. Aaron Ashe (pictured) picked up and players in relation to our all-weather pitch in St Aidans. the Drogheda United Player of the Year We have received a number of complaints from St Aidans school Award after himself and Lloyd Buckley regarding parents and younger players using the toilet facilities in were outstanding for the Drogs throughout the season. At the school out of school hours. Recently, but for the sharp vision of Shelbourne we have Ryan Robinson, Dale Rooney, Dylan one of their teachers, we would have had two young players locked Kavanagh, Jack Brady and Cian Kavanagh sharing the stage. While in the school as they were in the toilets when the school was about Longford Town boasts Cian McGarry, Philip Gannon and Josh to be locked up for the night and alarmed. O’Hanlon. UCD boast ex-Saints Dan Tobin and Jack Ryan among We have had issues with a few players going into the school gym their team. area which is a restricted area. We have also had problems with The Under 17 National Cup saw a lot of ex-Saints play out an people moving cones in order to park in restricted areas – one of exciting cup final where Robbie Dunne (son of the infamous Mick) these areas is specifically for emergency vehicle access. and Stephen Nolan both scored to give Bohemians a 2-0 win over St Furthermore, and this is the real disappointment, our security person Pats. Robbie also picked up the Man of the Match Award. has had a number of incidents with parents who ignore his requests The Bohs side also had Domi Peppard, to keep out of the playing areas and indeed some have been quite Aaron Townley, Mitch Byrne, Ryan Harte abusive towards him. and Lido Lerefa who all played for the St Kevins Boys will not tolerate this type of behaviour from any Saints. While Pats ex-Saints contingent person whose child uses these facilities and action will be taken included Luke Heeney, Paul Cleary, Luke against the teams involved. Nolan, Alex Kelly and Brian Maher. So we would recommend that parents act as responsible adults and Imagine the team we could have entered behave themselves, obey directions given by our staff and ensure into the FAI Under 17 National League if that their children also behave and follow our guidelines. we had been allowed!!!

International Saints Snippets As ever the Saints are well represented at International level at all Now I take full responsibility for not including this photo previously age groups with both current and former players. and I extend my apologies to Harry Dunne. While we had four players, Harry Dunne of our Under 16 Kameron Ledwidge, Kian NDSL Elite team played with Clarke, Ray O’Sullivan and the Republic of Ireland Ryan Cassidy involved in Emerging Talent Future the Republic of Ireland Developers team at the Galway winning the Under 15 Cup back in August. Victory Shield in Scotland; Harry scored the second goal Dara O’Shea and Thomas in a 2-0 win in the final against Byrne were part of the Rep Cavan/Monaghan. He was also of Ireland Under 18s team in named Player of the Spain for games against Holland and Germany. Tournament. He is pictured Jack Byrne and Sean Heaney have been teammates since Under 8s being presented with his in the Saints and they are joined by Dylan Watts in the Under 21 Rep trophy by Darryl Horgan the of Ireland team that were also in Spain for games against the Czech current star of Dundalk FC. Republic and Slovakia. *********************************** *********************************** It will soon be that time of year again, so dust off those boots (moulded studs only) and join the Saints for our annual “Married” Saints Dominate DDSL Squads versus “Singles” game on St Stephens Day. For those who are unfamiliar with this game it is a bit of a highlight in the Saints calendar. Every Stephens Day two teams compete for bragging rights as to who are better - the married lads or the singles. It should be pointed out that we use the terms married and single quite loosely!! Also up for grabs on the day is the coveted Golden Boot Award. Anyway, following this always enjoyable game those in attendance head for refreshments and the all-important post mortem on the game. As ever our competing managers Donie “I Hate to Lose!” Bermingham and Ciaran “Winning is Everything” Heffernan will be in charge of the teams. So come along and have some fun – all levels of players are always welcomed. Please contact the Club for details – by the way there is a minimal charge which is donated to a designated charity. *********************************** Congratulations to ex-Saint Graham Kelly who made his full debut We are not sure if this is a first but we recently had 13 players on the for Sheffield United in their 4-2 away win to Grimsby during DDSL Youths squad for their opening FAI Inter League game November. against Kildare league. The Saints actually had 10 of the starting 11 *********************************** players on the pitch – as somebody remarked the other three lads st must have been devastated! The DDSL side won the game 3-0. End of 1 Stage of New Look Season Great credit goes to Mick Dempsey of our Under 18s team for When the DDSL announced that they were changing the football producing this number of players on a league representative side. season from the standard school year of September to May we all scratched our heads as to how the whole deal would work. So it was decided to play a 16 month season that would start in August and end with a Shield game in December then break and restart in March and continue until November. In previous years there would be about 12 teams in each league giving teams up to 22 games in their season, along with league cup games and the SFAI cups. In order to facilitate the new season it was decided to split the leagues into an A and B type section, each hosting up to 6 teams. The winners of each section would then meet in a shield final. So as we come to the close of the first stage of this new season we have a number of teams competing for their respective shields but Billy Gilmore, Danny Jeal, David Leonard and Byron Preston overall there seems to be much confusion surrounding the games to Meanwhile four of our Under 12s lined out for the DDSL team that be played and the opposition involved. played Leicester Celtic Under 13s. The DDSL team were 1-0 We hope to get clarity shortly. winners with Billy Gilmore getting the all-important goal.

HOW TO CONTACT US Write to : St Kevins Boys Club, Crestfield Estate, Larkhill, Dublin 9 Telephone : (01) 8374411 Fax: (01) 8570121 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.skbfc.com st kevin’s boys club @fckevins